Everyone hears the news reports of how bad the market is. Real Estate is local and cannot be generalized in any way shape or form.Don't get me wrong in many places it is Horrible! However our little community so far has not seen the devastation that others are feeling in this mortgage meltdown mess.We should consider ourselves blessed, continue to grow as a community, embrace the fact that the market is down and love the home your in if your mortgage payment is high and values are down.  The real estate market is cyclical and it will come back.  However, if you've owned your home for awhile in the area four years or longer, now may be the very best time ever to consider a move. The prices have come down so low and you may be able to upgrade to a much larger home. You have options: You c... 09/06/2008

Lake Ridge is well known for its' rolling hills, wide streets, amenities and, most especially, for its' trees - they are everywhere.  There are more tan 7,400 residences in Lake Ridge and the vast majority are separated by trees. Most newer communities have almost no separation between or behind homes.  The builder set land aside away from the home site to maintain the zoning requirements for homes per acre Theoretically, since the homes are very close to each other, the construction costs are lower and the homes are more affordable. While that may be true the end result is that people wanting a new home settle for almost no privacy since they have extremely small lots.  Today, luxury homes are about the only new homes with large lots. For those of us who like land to plant trees and ga... 08/27/2008

At the time Ridge Development made plans to develop the tract of land now known as Lake Ridge it was wooded and hilly with lots of hardwood, pine and dogwood.  Fortunately, they didn't cut everything down, but left major stands of trees behind, between and around the homes.  As a result, there are great numbers of dogwood trees throughout the area that bloom every Spring. One of the major builders in Lake Ridge, Sorensen, developed a town home model called the Dogwood.  It is still one of the most popular town home models in Lake Ridge even though they have not been built in more than 20 years.  They are 3 level homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, fireplace, large eat-in kitchen and a huge lower level recreation room.  The total square footage in the homes is almost 2.400 sq... 08/27/2008

Located in Prince William County the community of Lake Ridge has been a favorite among buyers looking for a neighborhood with a plenty of housing choices, mature trees, easy access to DC and top of the line community amenities.  However once a year the neighborhood tells the two legged owners to move over and make way for the dogs.  On Sept 6th after the Tall Oaks Pool has closed for the season residents of Lake Ridge get a chance to let their dogs take over the pool.  Two swim sessions are scheduled for your favorite four legged friend to get wet, play and maybe even show Michael Phelps some real championship form! In addition to the fun for the dogs, the Dale City Animal Hospital will be on hand to offer owners the opportunity to have their canine companion micro-chipped.  A fast and ... 08/26/2008

August 2008- The Local Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate Market Is Showing Signs Of Improvement The good news is we gotten have several offers Ratified for buyers in the past week. The challenging news for many Buyers is, the market has heated up and we're running into multiple offer situations. Banks don't take escalation clauses, they only consider highest and best offers. So, if you've been waiting to time the market...It's TIME! Reo ( Bank Listing) Agents are going crazy! Let me show you what's happening: I've just checked the 22192 area in the MRIS DATABASE. Here are the stats: Right now Under Contract Waiting To Close There are: 47 Single Family Homes Under Contract 84 Townhomes Under Contract 3 Condo's Under Contract Let me take that one more step further. Since June 1st, 2008: tha... 08/18/2008

   At first glance it would appear that Lake Ridge is being evacuated and all that remains is for the last man to leave to take the flag.  At second glance, however, you will note the street was emptied to allow repaving by the homeowner's association.  Repaving by the homeowner's association?  Why isn't it being done by state or county transportation departments?  It is quite common in Virginia for planned unit developments to retain ownership of streets, particularly those with town homes or condominiums.  Normally, streets with detached  homes are the responsibility of the state department of transportation. A problem arises when a homeowner's association is mismanaged and the street and common grounds are not maintained.  That is not the case in Lake Ridge.  In the summer our commo... 08/15/2008

It Was A Typical Work Day at the office:   Everyday one of us on the TEAM  of Erick and Company works with someone searching for  or selling a home in Prince William County. In this particular case I had been working with a young couple from the Del Ray Area of Alexandria. They had called about a previous home I had written about on Rumford Ct in the Ridgeleigh Section of Lake Ridge, Virgina. Unfortunately, it was too late, we has a contract on that home quickly within 45 days of listing. I took them around and showed a few others and the neighborhood.No luck. They're hearts were set on a water-view Town home. That weekend there were none available. As listings came on the MLS, I would send them updates for next few weeks. They saw one that peaked their interest. By the time they were a... 08/14/2008

                  SEVEN HOMES ARE CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT IN WESTRIDGE! Westridge has always been a sought after move-up community in the Lake Ridge area. It's located directly off Old Bridge Rd ad flanked with two large brick walls at the entry.It's a great mixed use community of Executive Acreage Homes, Large and Small Single Family Homes, Townhomes and Condo's. Westridge has a gorgeous pool complex. It sports it's own elementry school, two pools, one is dedicated to Adults Only, a Kiddie Pool, Hot Tub Area, and a Club House that residence can use for special functions. Drive in and take a look, we have some wonderful homes available FOR SALE in this area. Marvel at the well manicured lawns and pride of ownership throughout the commuity.  Just turn onto Westridge Drive from Old Bridg... 07/15/2008

Today I visited a few Bank Owned Homes with my client. They were looking for a home with a large back yard. Unfortunately they did not find the home of their dreams today, but...they were blown away by the Real Estate Deals that exit for quailified buyers right now. For example we started out at home in White Oak Estates. A new subdivision of homes on just off Hoadly Rd. There were no photo's online so we took our chances. I had my camera with me to help them remember what they saw. Baneberry Circle proved to be a good looking house at first glance. However the yard was not what they had in mind. Take a look....priced at $499,900  this is a lot of house for the money. It has a few issues, however nothing that cannot be repaired quickly. Click Here to View Home                       Next... 07/05/2008

I thought I would share with you a what our Market Snapshots look like for folks who would like to keep up with market conditions in the area. An Owner in the 22192 area wanted to know what's really happening in the Real Estate Market. They owned a detached home with approximately 2500 sqaure feet of living space with 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths. I always caution folks, real esate is local. Let's take a look at what the market is doing,and then let me come see your home to see what it will sell for. Step #1 is get familiar with the market conditions. Here is a copy of the Report I sent that seller Click Here To View  Just move your cursor over the map to see the photo's of homes. It's an awesome report. You can move your cursor around to see the homes in the area Use drop down boxes to che... 06/25/2008

                                                Heading our for Summer Vacation?                                                    Here's a TFP (Tip From Peg) GREAT BOARDING OPTIONS AT OLD BRIDGE VERTERINARY HOSPITAL   Sometimes less is more in my book. That's how I feel about Old Bridge Vet Hospital on Old Bridge Rd in Lake Ridge. It's not the biggest Vet office in the area, and certainly not the newest. It's a little brown building located between Smoketown Rd and Springwoods Drive. However what it lacks in size it surely makes up with experience and heart. I've been using the services of Old Bridge for decades. The staff certainly understands the needs of pets and the owners. I admit I  strayed away when a new bigger, grander operation came into town about 5 years ago, only to be di... 06/24/2008

You know the news is saying that the market is down, but we are seeing significant activity in the market these days, with all the foreclosures, and the great prices on homes, it has really brought the buyers out of the woodwork... There are currently 94 home under contract in Lake Ridge, Virginia, in the price range of $129,000.00 to $500,000.00   So, don't wait......to search for homes for sale in Laker Ridge, or any other city in Northern Virginia go to www.KonnieMac.com for FREE MLS search.  To set up automatic emails, get listings sent to you automatically...call me...Konnie McKee 703 407 7088   Homes for sale in Manassas, Homes for Sale in Haymarket, Homes for Sale in Gainesville, Homes for Sale in Vienna, Homes for sale in McLean, Homes for sale in warrenton, Homes for Sale in Br... 05/25/2008

Short sales, foreclosures, bank owned, terms that we hear the press throwing around every day in Northern Virginia.  Buyers want to know more about them and whether they are good deals.  Agents are specializing in listing them and yet can you find them without spending hours searching through the MLS?  In a previous post I talked about the number of foreclosure properties that are not currently in the MLS at all and maybe coming in to the pipeline in the near future.  However finding the ones that are in the MLS is no easy feat either.  Agents are not taking the time to correctly identify them through a very simple process.  Mark the field labeled "current financing" in the MRIS when they are entering a listing.  Foreclosure, Pre-foreclosure, short sale they are all there to choose.So d... 03/05/2008

My husband and I have a unique perspective on Lake Ridge since we have lived in Lake Ridge for 27 years owned five properties in the community raised our family here Lake Ridge is one of the ten largest subdivisions in the United States. 38,000 residents 7,000 + residences 4,400 acres 1,200 acres of it are treed common ground On the 2,100 acre Occoquan Reservoir The Links Below Are Always Connected To The Area Multiple Listing ServiceThe Listings Are Updated Every Hour FOR SALELAKE RIDGE DETACHED HOMES FOR SALELAKE RIDGE TOWN HOMES COMMUTING Express bus service to the Pentagon and Washington, DC is available within Lake Ridge and at the entrance to Lake Ridge in the VDOT Commuter Lot Carpools usually meet at the VDOT Commuter Lot at the entrance to Lake Ridge - see Omnimatch for more s... 02/04/2008

Greg Lydell | Select Realty Service LLC. | 703 863-0157 1964 Teasel Court, Lake Ridge, VA Exclusive Park Center Community! Close to I95, Near Commuter Lot 3 Bdrm Townhouse offered at $289,900 Year Built 1998 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 2 Lot Size 1,119 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION ONLY 10YEARS YOUNG w/ LOCATION! Close to I95 in Lake Ridge This prestigious home has all upgrades and owners pride shows throughout. Grand Model home condition with detailed touches throughout backing to woods! Entire home with new custom neutral paint throughout. Hardwood floors in family room, new flooring in kitchen, and upgraded carpet. Kitchen also has new fridge, new counters, new stainless steel sink, gas cooking, built-in Microwave and walk... 01/14/2008

Greg Lydell | Select Realty Service LLC. | info@selectrealtyva.com | 703 863-0157 4046 Stargrass Court, Woodbridge, VA ORIGINAL OWNER!! MODEL HOME CONDITION!! MUST SEE TO BELIEVE!! 3 Bdrm Townhouse offered at $289,900 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 2 Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION ONLY 8 YEARS YOUNG w/ LOCATION! Close to I95 in Lake Ridge This prestigious home has all upgrades and owners pride shows throughout. Grand Model home condition with detailed touches throughout! Wide plank Cherry-stained Maple Hardwood floors throughout main level. Flowing floor plan from front door through Living Room and into eat in Kitchen. Center-Island, gas cooking, built-in Microwave and walk out to a custom deck! Up... 01/05/2008

If you are moving to Lakeridge, located in Woodbridge, Virginia....You're in luck!!  My name is Konnie McKee and I am a real estate agent specializing in Prince William County.  While I do serve other counties, I live, work and play in Prince William County... I can help you find what you are looking for, I am familiar with the communities, schools and of course I know where all the shopping is... :)  Give me  a Call 703 407 7088 or visit me on the web http://www.konniemac.com/  01/02/2008

   The Lynnwood  section is an area of homes on 1/2 acre plus lots.  There were three home builders in this section of Lake Ridge.  They were Calvert Homes, Long Homes and Fairfield Homes.  All three have excellent reputations as builders and the homes range in size from 2600 square feet to 4,000 square feet. Currently, homes in Lynwood range in price form $600,000 to $700,000.  The pictures included in this report are fairly typical of the home styles that you will find.  The average age is 20 years and many of them have now been updated and have additions added. Smoketown Road and Cavalier Drive are the two through streets in Lynwood.  Having lived in Lynnwood  and having sold numerous homes there I am personally familiar with the area. CONTACT ME  for assistance with LYNNWOOD, LAKE R... 11/09/2007

   This Saturday is the 12th Annual Lake Ridge Parade to welcome Santa to eastern Prince William County.While this is not as grand as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the kids line up along the parade route and enjoy it every bit as much.There will be floats, Junior ROTC units, emergency vehcles, mounted police units, color guards, cheer leaders, the special unit of library carts is a show stopper, clowns, mini-cars, scout units and much more.The parade kicks off at 10:00 AM at the corner of Mohican and Old Bridge Road and travels west to Smoketown Road where it will turn right and disperse at the Festival at Old Bridge Shopping Center.Santa wants to remind you to CONTACT ME  for assistance with WOODBRIDGE, VA and PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE 11/06/2007

  When we moved to Prince William County in 1982 the first restaurant you encountered after you crossed the Occoquan River over the US1 bridge was Lums.That relic of the 1970's operated well into the late 90's.  Those of you who ever patronized a Lums will recall its' most notable decor was the faux Tiffany lamp hanging over each booth.  This particular one had not been remodelled since the day it opened its' doors.  It was one of the last to "pass on".With development comes change and, in this case, it was for the better.  We now have many restaurants serving food from every culture and continent.      We have Thai, Chinese, Italian, steak houses, sports restaurants, Portugese, Mexican, El Salvadoran - you name it - there is at least one in Prince William County.      Nowadays, we usua... 11/04/2007